DOROT’s Intergenerational After School Chess program is all about strengthening skills while making a friend across the chessboard, building mutually beneficial relationships in the process. Once a week during the academic year, older adults and students in grades 9-12 teach and learn chess from one another. The program enables all participants to play chess, share stories and create meaningful connections.
This special program got its start when Zachary Targoff, then 13 years old, decided to create a Bar Mitzvah community service project with DOROT. Zachary was matched by DOROT with Herman Bomze z"l; they played chess every week together in Herman’s apartment. At Zach’s Bar Mitzvah, Herman’s daughter, Bracha, presented a gift to Zachary – her father’s wooden chess set, which had previously belonged to his father, that Herman brought from Vienna in 1929.
In honor of the bond that Zachary and Herman enjoyed over the years, Zachary and his parents, Josh and Kim Targoff, established DOROT’s on-site Intergenerational After-School Chess program. It has become an impactful addition to our intergenerational programming.
Ages: High school students and adults 60+.
Time Commitment: Wednesdays from 4:30-6:00pm.
Requirements: students: Application and interview
Next steps for students: Complete the Westchester Intergenerational After-School Chess Program Student Application.
Requirements for adults: Valid US government-issued photo ID, volunteer orientation, an application, interview and references
Next Steps for adults: Complete the Westchester Intergenerational After-School Chess Program Older Adult Application
Intergenerational Chess at DOROT Westchester is generously supported by the Targoff Family and Friends.